Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery which can be utilized outdoors and indoors. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually only has to be used on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more often in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types out of the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use because they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These types of forklifts are able to be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You would rarely find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be divided into 4 subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. The forklift operator stands up in a lift code 1 forklift. In lift codes 4 through 6, he sits down. In order to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, whereas lift code 5 forklifts have cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These kinds of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and utilized in tight spaces. They are great for spaces which are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can fit into tighter spaces too. Class 3 operator either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the particular model. Lift models could raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of utilizing IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually utilized inside warehouses. There are disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. For start, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to operate and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not function well outdoors in bad climate, are more expensive up front and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal alternative for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.